Methods for characterizing agonists and partial agonists of target molecules

ABSTRACT

In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of determining whether an agent is more like a partial agonist of a target molecule than a full agonist of the same target molecule. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods to select a candidate compound that may reduce blood plasma glucose concentration in a mammal. Populations of genes are provided that are useful in the practice of the present invention.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/668,773, filed Apr. 5, 2005, which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods for screening biologically active agents, such as candidate drug molecules, to identify agents that possess a desired biological activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Identifying new drug molecules for treating human diseases is a time consuming and expensive process. A candidate drug molecule is usually first identified in a laboratory using an assay for a desired biological activity. The candidate drug is then tested in animals to identify any adverse side effects that might be caused by the drug. This phase of preclinical research and testing may take more than five years. See, e.g., J. A. Zivin, “Understanding Clinical Trials,” Scientific American, pp. 69-75 (April 2000). The candidate drug is then subjected to extensive clinical testing in humans to determine whether it continues to exhibit the desired biological activity, and whether it induces undesirable, perhaps fatal, side effects. This process may take up to a decade. Id. Adverse effects are often not identified until late in the clinical testing phase when considerable expense has been incurred testing the candidate drug.

For example, an agonist (also referred to as a full agonist) is a chemical substance that binds to a target molecule (e.g., a receptor molecule), in or on a cell, to produce a biochemical and/or physiological effect. A partial agonist is a chemical substance that binds to a target molecule, but does not produce as great a magnitude of a biochemical and/or physiological effect as the agonist. The maximum magnitude of the biochemical and/or physiological effect produced by an agonist of a target molecule cannot be produced by a partial agonist of the same target molecule, even by increasing the dosage of the partial agonist. Some agonists of a target molecule are medically useful drugs that typically produce both desirable and undesirable biological effects. In contrast, partial agonists of a target molecule, that are medically useful drugs, often produce a weaker undesirable biological response than does an agonist of the same target molecule. Thus, partial agonists may be better drugs than full agonists because a partial agonist causes a desirable biological effect, and causes little or no undesirable biological effects.

There is a need, therefore, for methods for identifying partial agonists of target molecules that possess a desirable biological activity, and which cause fewer, or less severe, adverse effects than an agonist of the same target molecules.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the foregoing, in one aspect the present invention provides methods for determining whether an agent is more like a partial agonist of a target molecule than a full agonist of the same target molecule. The methods of the invention thereby facilitate identification of partial agonists that may be medically useful drugs having limited undesirable side effects compared to a full agonist of the same target molecule. As described more fully herein, the methods of this aspect of the invention compare the expression of populations of genes in response to an agent to determine whether the agent is more like a partial agonist of a target molecule than a full agonist of the same target molecule.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides methods for determining whether an agent is more like a partial agonist of a target molecule than a full agonist of the same target molecule. The methods each include the steps of (a) comparing the magnitude of gene expression of a first population of genes, in a cell type, in response to an agent, to the magnitude of gene expression of the first population of genes, in the cell type, in response to a full agonist of a target molecule, to produce a first comparison result, wherein the first comparison result is represented by a first numerical value; (b) comparing the magnitude of gene expression of a second population of genes, in a cell type, in response to the agent to the magnitude of gene expression of the second population of genes, in the cell type, in response to the full agonist of the target molecule, to produce a second comparison result, wherein the second comparison result is represented by a second numerical value; and (c) using the first numerical value and the second numerical value to determine whether the agent is more like a partial agonist of the target molecule than the full agonist of the target molecule, wherein any part of step (a) can occur before, during, or after any part of step (b). The methods of this aspect of the invention are useful, for example, for determining whether an agent (e.g., chemical compound) induces a biological response in a living thing that is more like the biological response induced in the living thing by a partial agonist of a target molecule (e.g., a receptor, such as a PPARγ molecule described more fully herein) than the biological response induced in the living thing by a full agonist of the target molecule (e.g., PPARγ). The methods of this aspect of the present invention are dose-independent.

In another aspect, the present invention provides methods to screen compounds to identify a candidate compound that may reduce blood plasma glucose concentration in a mammal (e.g., a human being). The methods of this aspect of the invention each include the step of contacting a cell of a cell type with a compound and determining whether the compound causes a significant increase in the level of expression of a population of 29 genes that each hybridize under stringent conditions to a different member of the group of nucleic acid molecules consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1-29, wherein if the compound causes a significant increase in the level of expression of the population of 29 genes then the compound is selected as a candidate compound that may reduce blood plasma glucose concentration in a mammal. SEQ ID NOS:1-29 are cDNA molecules that correspond to 29 different genes as described herein. The methods of this aspect of the invention are useful, for example, for selecting partial agonists of PPARγ that reduce blood plasma glucose concentration in a mammal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

THE FIGURE shows a graph of gene score 1 (GS1) versus gene score 2 (GS2) for several partial and full agonists of PPARγ, as described in Example 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Unless specifically defined herein, all terms used herein have the same meaning as they would to one skilled in the art of the present invention. Practitioners are particularly directed to Sambrook et al. (1989) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2d ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, Plainsview, N.Y. (1989), and Ausubel et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (Supplement 47), John Wiley & Sons, New York (1999), for definitions and terms of the art.

In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for determining whether an agent is more like a partial agonist of a target molecule than a full agonist of the same target molecule. The methods of the present invention permit comparison of the magnitudes of expression levels of populations of genes in a living thing to determine whether an agent is more like a partial agonist of a target molecule than a full agonist of the same target molecule. The methods each include the steps of (a) comparing the magnitude of gene expression of a first population of genes, in cells of a cell type, in response to an agent to the magnitude of gene expression of the first population of genes, in cells of the cell type, in response to a full agonist of a target molecule, to produce a first comparison result, wherein the first comparison result is represented by a first numerical value; (b) comparing the magnitude of gene expression of a second population of genes, in cells of the cell type, in response to the agent to the magnitude of gene expression of the second population of genes, in cells of the cell type, in response to the full agonist of the target molecule, to produce a second comparison result, wherein the second comparison result is represented by a second numerical value; and (c) using the first numerical value and the second numerical value to determine whether the agent is more like a partial agonist of the target molecule than the full agonist of the target molecule, wherein any part of step (a) can occur before, during, or after any part of step (b).

The methods of this aspect of the present invention are dose-independent (i.e., in the practice of the methods it is not necessary to use the same dose, or a comparable dose based on EC₅₀, of the agent and the full agonist of the target molecule in order to determine whether the agent is more like a partial agonist of the target molecule than the full agonist of the same target molecule). Thus, for example, the methods of the present invention are particularly useful for high-throughput screening of numerous candidate drug molecules because it is not necessary to determine the EC₅₀ of each test compound, and to match the dosage of each test compound to the dosage of the reference compound(s) so that comparable EC₅₀s of the candidate and reference compounds are used. An additional advantage of the methods of this aspect of the present invention is that it is not necessary to identify compound-specific signature genes, or proteins, to practice the methods of this aspect of the present invention.

As used herein, the term “agent” encompasses any physical, chemical, or energetic agent that induces a biological response in a living organism in vivo and/or in vitro. Thus, for example, the term “agent” encompasses chemical molecules, such as therapeutic molecules, or candidate therapeutic molecules, that may be useful for treating one or more diseases in a living organism, such as in a mammal (e.g., a human being). The term “agent” also encompasses energetic stimuli, such as ultraviolet light. The term “agent” also encompasses physical stimuli, such as forces applied to living cells (e.g., pressure, stretching or shear forces).

For example, the methods of the present invention can be used to determine whether an agent is more like a full agonist or a partial agonist of a target molecule (e.g., a receptor molecule). A full agonist is a chemical substance that binds to a target molecule, in or on a cell, to produce a biochemical and/or physiological effect. A partial agonist also binds to a target molecule, but does not produce as great a magnitude of a biochemical or physiological effect as the full agonist. The maximum magnitude of the biochemical and/or physiological effect produced by a full agonist of a target molecule cannot be produced by a partial agonist of the same target molecule, even by increasing the dosage of the partial agonist.

An example of a receptor molecule is the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (hereinafter referred to as PPARγ). A family of structurally and functionally related PPARγs exists in mammals. PPARγs are nuclear hormone receptors, activated by fatty acids, and their eicosanoid metabolites, and by some synthetic compounds, such as the thiazolidinedione (abbreviated as TZD) class of compounds. PPARγs play an important physiological role in metabolism, maintenance of cellular energy homeostasis, and cellular differentiation. Two members of the TZD class of compounds (rosiglitazone and pioglitazone) are PPARγ agonists that reduce hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes patients. See, e.g., J. L. Oberfield et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 96:6102-6106 (1999). In spite of their significant antidiabetic activity, however, the use of TZDs has been limited by adverse side-effects, such as plasma volume expansion and weight gain. Thus, there is a need to identify other ligands that bind to PPARγs and that have desirable biological effects (e.g., reducing blood plasma glucose concentration) but that do not have significant adverse biological effects.

Contacting a living cell with an agent: In the practice of the present invention comparisons are made between populations of genes that are expressed in at least one living cell (typically in multiple living cells) of a cell type. For ease of description, the use of multiple living cells will be described, although it will be understood that the following description also applies to the use of a single living cell of a cell type. The living cells of the cell type are contacted with an agent before the comparisons are made between populations of genes that are expressed in the living cells.

The living cells can be any type of living cell (e.g., prokaryotic cell or eukaryotic cell, including animal cell and plant cell), although typically the living cells are mammalian cells. In order to be useful in the practice of the present invention, the living cells must include sufficient target molecules (e.g., PPARγ receptors) to provide a measurable response to an agonist, or partial agonist, of the target molecules. The living cells can be cultured in vitro, or can be living cells in vivo. Typically, numerous living cells (e.g., a population of cells cultured in vitro, or a multiplicity of living cells that exist within a living tissue, organ or organism) are contacted with an agent.

An example of a method for contacting living cells, cultured in vitro, with a chemical agent is addition of the agent to the medium in which the living cells are cultured. Examples of methods for contacting living cells, in vivo, with an agent is injection into the bloodstream, or injection into a target tissue or organ, or nasal administration of the agent, or transdermal administration of the agent, or use of a drug delivery device that is implanted into the body of a living subject and which gradually releases the agent into the living body.

First Population of Genes and Second Population of Genes: the present invention provides methods for determining whether an agent is more like a partial agonist of a target molecule than a full agonist of the same target molecule. The methods of the present invention use a first population of genes. Each member of the first population of genes is selected from a population of regulated genes wherein each gene is regulated by a partial agonist of a target molecule, and also by a full agonist of the same target molecule. The population of regulated genes only includes genes that are regulated in the same direction by the partial agonist and by the full agonist (i.e., only genes that are either upregulated by both the full and partial agonist, or genes that are downregulated by both the full and partial agonist are present in the population of regulated genes).

With respect to each member of the first population of genes, the ratio of the magnitude of regulation of the gene by a partial agonist of a target molecule to the magnitude of regulation of the gene by a full agonist of the same target molecule is consistently greater than the same ratio (magnitude of regulation by the partial agonist/magnitude of regulation by the full agonist) for any of the regulated genes that are not included in the first population of genes.

An example of a first population of genes is an efficacy-related population of genes. As used herein, the phrase “efficacy-related population of genes” refers to a population of genes, present in a living thing, that yields at least one expression pattern, in response to a full agonist of a target molecule, and in response to a partial agonist of the target molecule, that correlates (positively or negatively) with the presence of at least one desired biological response caused by the full or partial agonist in the living thing. By way of example, SEQ ID NOS:1-29 are cDNA molecules that correspond to a population of 29 different efficacy-related genes as described herein. It will be understood that SEQ ID NOS: 1-29 are cDNA sequences, and that the expression of the corresponding gene transcripts (e.g., mRNA molecules) are analyzed in the practice of the present invention.

The methods of the present invention also use a second population of genes. Each member of the second population of genes is selected from a population of regulated genes wherein each gene is regulated by a partial agonist of a target molecule, and also by a full agonist of the same target molecule. The population of regulated genes only includes genes that are regulated in the same direction by the partial agonist and by the full agonist (i.e., only genes that are either upregulated by both the full and partial agonist, or genes that are downregulated by both the full and partial agonist are present in the population of regulated genes).

With respect to each member of the second population of genes, the ratio of the magnitude of regulation of the gene by a partial agonist of a target molecule to the magnitude of regulation of the gene by a full agonist of the same target molecule is consistently lower than the same ratio (magnitude of regulation by the partial agonist/magnitude of regulation by the full agonist) for any of the regulated genes that are not included in the second population of genes.

An example of a second population of genes is a toxicity-related population of genes. As used herein, the phrase “toxicity-related population of genes” refers to a population of genes, present in a living thing, that yields at least one expression pattern, in response to a full agonist of a target molecule, and in response to a partial agonist of the target molecule, that correlates (positively or negatively) with the presence of at least one undesirable biological response caused by the full or partial agonist in the living thing. By way of example, SEQ ID NOS:30-40 are cDNA molecules that correspond to a population of 11 different toxicity-related genes as described herein. It will be understood that SEQ ID NOS:30-40 are cDNA sequences, and that the expression of the corresponding gene transcripts (e.g., mRNA molecules) is analyzed in the practice of the present invention.

The magnitude and/or pattern of expression of a first population of genes and/or second population of genes can be measured, for example, by measuring the magnitude and/or pattern of expression of gene transcripts (e.g., mRNA that is present in total RNA extracted from a living thing, or completely or partially purified mRNA extracted from a living thing), or by measuring the magnitude and/or pattern of expression of proteins encoded by the genes.

Useful first and second populations of genes can be identified by any method, or combination of methods, that permits detection and measurement of the expression of a population of genes (e.g., protein microarrays and/or nucleic acid microarrays). EXAMPLE 1 herein describes a representative procedure for identifying the efficacy-related population of genes that corresponds to SEQ ID NOS:1-29, and for identifying the toxicity-related population of genes that corresponds to SEQ ID NOS:30-40.

Detecting Gene Expression by Measuring Gene Transcript Expression: In the practice of the present invention, the magnitude of gene expression of a first population of genes, and the magnitude of gene expression of a second population of genes are measured in cells of a cell type that have been contacted with an agent.

Gene expression may be measured, for example, by extracting (and optionally purifying) mRNA from the living thing, and using the mRNA as a template to synthesize cDNA which is then labeled (e.g., with a fluorescent dye) and can be used to measure gene expression. While the following, exemplary, description is directed to embodiments of the invention in which the extracted mRNA is used as a template to synthesize cDNA, which is then labeled, it will be understood that the extracted mRNA can also be used as a template to synthesize cRNA which can then be labeled and can be used to measure gene expression.

RNA molecules useful as templates for cDNA synthesis can be isolated from any organism or part thereof, including organs, tissues, and/or individual cells. Any suitable RNA preparation can be utilized, such as total cellular RNA, or such as cytoplasmic RNA or such as an RNA preparation that is enriched for messenger RNA (mRNA), such as RNA preparations that include greater than 70%, or greater than 80%, or greater than 90%, or greater than 95%, or greater than 99% messenger RNA. Typically, RNA preparations that are enriched for messenger RNA are utilized to provide the RNA template in the practice of the methods of this aspect of the invention. Messenger RNA can be purified in accordance with any art-recognized method, such as by the use of oligo-dT columns (see, e.g., Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning—A Laboratory Manual (2nd Ed.), Vol. 1, Chapter 7, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.).

Total RNA may be isolated from cells by procedures that involve breaking open the cells and, typically, denaturation of the proteins contained therein. Additional steps may be employed to remove DNA. Cell lysis may be accomplished with a nonionic detergent, followed by microcentrifugation to remove the nuclei and hence the bulk of the cellular DNA. In one embodiment, RNA is extracted from cells using guanidinium thiocyanate lysis followed by CsCl centrifugation to separate the RNA from DNA (Chirgwin et al., 1979, Biochemistry 18:5294-5299). Messenger RNA may be selected with oligo-dT cellulose (see Sambrook et al., supra). Separation of RNA from DNA can also be accomplished by organic extraction, for example, with hot phenol or phenol/chloroform/isoamyl alcohol. If desired, RNase inhibitors may be added to the lysis buffer. Likewise, for certain cell types, it may be desirable to add a protein denaturation/digestion step to the protocol.

The sample of total RNA typically includes a multiplicity of different mRNA molecules, each different mRNA molecule having a different nucleotide sequence (although there may be multiple copies of the same mRNA molecule). In a specific embodiment, the mRNA molecules in the RNA sample comprise at least 100 different nucleotide sequences. In other embodiments, the mRNA molecules of the RNA sample comprise at least 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, 50,000, 60,000, 70,000, 80,000, 90,000 or 100,000 different nucleotide sequences. In another specific embodiment, the RNA sample is a mammalian RNA sample, the mRNA molecules of the mammalian RNA sample comprising about 20,000 to 30,000 different nucleotide sequences, or comprising substantially all of the different mRNA sequences that are expressed in the cell(s) from which the mRNA was extracted.

In the context of the present example, cDNA molecules are synthesized that are complementary to the RNA template molecules. Each cDNA molecule is preferably sufficiently long (e.g., at least 50 nucleotides in length) to subsequently serve as a specific probe for the mRNA template from which it was synthesized, or to serve as a specific probe for a DNA sequence that is identical to the sequence of the mRNA template from which the cDNA molecule was synthesized. Individual DNA molecules can be complementary to a whole RNA template molecule, or to a portion thereof. Thus, a population of cDNA molecules is synthesized that includes individual DNA molecules that are each complementary to all, or to a portion, of a template RNA molecule. Typically, at least a portion of the complementary sequence of at least 95% (more typically at least 99%) of the template RNA molecules are represented in the population of cDNA molecules.

Any reverse transcriptase molecule can be utilized to synthesize the cDNA molecules, such as reverse transcriptase molecules derived from Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV-RT), avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV-RT), bovine leukemia virus (BLV-RT), Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-RT). A reverse transcriptase lacking RNaseH activity (e.g., SUPERSCRIPT II™ sold by Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.) has the advantage that, in the absence of an RNaseH activity, synthesis of second strand cDNA molecules does not occur during synthesis of first strand cDNA molecules. The reverse transcriptase molecule should also preferably be thermostable so that the cDNA synthesis reaction can be conducted at as high a temperature as possible, while still permitting hybridization of any required primer(s) to the RNA template molecules.

The synthesis of the cDNA molecules can be primed using any suitable primer, typically an oligonucleotide in the range of ten to 60 bases in length. Oligonucleotides that are useful for priming the synthesis of the cDNA molecules can hybridize to any portion of the RNA template molecules, including the oligo-dT tail. In some embodiments, the synthesis of the cDNA molecules is primed using a mixture of primers, such as a mixture of primers having random nucleotide sequences. Typically, for oligonucleotide molecules less than 100 bases in length, hybridization conditions are 5° C. to 10° C. below the homoduplex melting temperature (Tm); see generally, Sambrook et al. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, 1987; Ausubel et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Publishing, 1987).

A primer for priming cDNA synthesis can be prepared by any suitable method, such as phosphotriester and phosphodiester methods of synthesis, or automated embodiments thereof. It is also possible to use a primer that has been isolated from a biological source, such as a restriction endonuclease digest. An oligonucleotide primer can be DNA, RNA, chimeric mixtures or derivatives or modified versions thereof, so long as it is still capable of priming the desired reaction. The oligonucleotide primer can be modified at the base moiety, sugar moiety, or phosphate backbone, and may include other appending groups or labels, so long as it is still capable of priming cDNA synthesis.

An oligonucleotide primer for priming cDNA synthesis can be derived by cleavage of a larger nucleic acid fragment using non-specific nucleic acid cleaving chemicals or enzymes or site-specific restriction endonucleases; or by synthesis by standard methods known in the art, e.g., by use of an automated DNA synthesizer (such as are commercially available from Biosearch, Applied Biosystems, etc.) and standard phosphoramidite chemistry. As examples, phosphorothioate oligonucleotides may be synthesized by the method of Stein et al. (Nucl. Acids Res. 16:3209-3221, 1988), methylphosphonate oligonucleotides can be prepared by use of controlled pore glass polymer supports (Sarin et al., 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85:7448-7451).

Once the desired oligonucleotide is synthesized, it is cleaved from the solid support on which it was synthesized and treated, by methods known in the art, to remove any protecting groups present. The oligonucleotide may then be purified by any method known in the art, including extraction and gel purification. The concentration and purity of the oligonucleotide may be determined, for example, by examining the oligonucleotide that has been separated on an acrylamide gel, or by measuring the optical density at 260 nm in a spectrophotometer.

After cDNA synthesis is complete, the RNA template molecules can be hydrolyzed, and all, or substantially all (typically more than 99%), of the primers can be removed. Hydrolysis of the RNA template can be achieved, for example, by alkalinization of the solution containing the RNA template (e.g., by addition of an aliquot of a concentrated sodium hydroxide solution). The primers can be removed, for example, by applying the solution containing the RNA template molecules, cDNA molecules, and the primers, to a column that separates nucleic acid molecules on the basis of size. The purified, cDNA molecules, can then, for example, be precipitated and redissolved in a suitable buffer.

The cDNA molecules are typically labeled to facilitate the detection of the cDNA molecules when they are used as a probe in a hybridization experiment, such as a probe used to screen a DNA microarray, to identify an efficacy-related population of genes. The cDNA molecules can be labeled with any useful label, such as a radioactive atom (e.g., ³²P), but typically the cDNA molecules are labeled with a dye. Examples of suitable dyes include fluorophores and chemiluminescers.

By way of example, cDNA molecules can be coupled to dye molecules via aminoallyl linkages by incorporating allylamine-derivatized nucleotides (e.g., allylamine-dATP, allylamine-dCTP, allylamine-dGTP, and/or allylamine-dTTP) into the cDNA molecules during synthesis of the cDNA molecules. The allylamine-derivatized nucleotide(s) can then be coupled, via an aminoallyl linkage, to N-hydroxysuccinimide ester derivatives (NHS derivatives) of dyes (e.g., Cy-NHS, Cy3-NHS and/or Cy5-NHS). Again by way of example, in another embodiment, dye-labeled nucleotides may be incorporated into the cDNA molecules during synthesis of the cDNA molecules, which labels the cDNA molecules directly.

It is also possible to include a spacer (usually 5-16 carbon atoms long) between the dye and the nucleotide, which may improve enzymatic incorporation of the modified nucleotides during synthesis of the cDNA molecules.

In the context of the present example, the labeled cDNA is hybridized to a DNA array that includes hundreds, or thousands, of identified nucleic acid molecules (e.g., cDNA molecules) that correspond to genes that are expressed in the type of cells wherein gene expression is being analyzed. Typically, hybridization conditions used to hybridize the labeled cDNA to a DNA array are no more than 25° C. to 30° C. (for example, 10° C.) below the melting temperature (Tm) of the native duplex of the cDNA that has the lowest melting temperature (see generally, Sambrook et al. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, 1987; Ausubel et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Publishing, 1987). Tm for nucleic acid molecules greater than about 100 bases can be calculated by the formula Tm=81.5+0.41%(G+C)−log(Na+). For oligonucleotide molecules less than 100 bases in length, exemplary hybridization conditions are 5° to 10° C. below Tm.

Preparation of microarrays. Nucleic acid molecules can be immobilized on a solid substrate by any art-recognized means. For example, nucleic acid molecules (such as DNA or RNA molecules) can be immobilized to nitrocellulose, or to a synthetic membrane capable of binding nucleic acid molecules, or to a nucleic acid microarray, such as a DNA microarray. A DNA microarray, or chip, is a microscopic array of DNA fragments, such as synthetic oligonucleotides, disposed in a defined pattern on a solid support, wherein they are amenable to analysis by standard hybridization methods (see, Schena, BioEssays 18:427, 1996).

The DNA in a microarray may be derived, for example, from genomic or cDNA libraries, from fully sequenced clones, or from partially sequenced cDNAs known as expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Methods for obtaining such DNA molecules are generally known in the art (see, e.g., Ausubel et al. (eds.), 1994, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Vol. 2, Current Protocols Publishing, New York). Again by way of example, oligonucleotides may be synthesized by conventional methods, such as the methods described herein.

Microarrays can be made in a number of ways, of which several are described below. However produced, microarrays preferably share certain characteristics. The arrays are preferably reproducible, allowing multiple copies of a given array to be produced and easily compared with each other. Preferably the microarrays are small, usually smaller than 5 cm², and they are made from materials that are stable under nucleic acid hybridization conditions. A given binding site or unique set of binding sites in the microarray should specifically bind the product of a single gene (or a nucleic acid molecule that represents the product of a single gene, such as a cDNA molecule that is complementary to all, or to part, of an mRNA molecule). Although there may be more than one physical binding site (hereinafter “site”) per specific gene product, for the sake of clarity the discussion below will assume that there is a single site.

In one embodiment, the microarray is an array of polynucleotide probes, the array comprising a support with at least one surface and typically at least 100 different polynucleotide probes, each different polynucleotide probe comprising a different nucleotide sequence and being attached to the surface of the support in a different location on the surface. For example, the nucleotide sequence of each of the different polynucleotide probes can be in the range of 40 to 80 nucleotides in length. For example, the nucleotide sequence of each of the different polynucleotide probes can be in the range of 50 to 70 nucleotides in length. For example, the nucleotide sequence of each of the different polynucleotide probes can be in the range of 50 to 60 nucleotides in length. In specific embodiments, the array comprises polynucleotide probes of at least 2,000, 4,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000, 50,000, 80,000, or 100,000 different nucleotide sequences.

Thus, the array can include polynucleotide probes for most, or all, genes expressed in a cell, tissue, organ or organism. In a specific embodiment, the cell or organism is a mammalian cell or organism. In another specific embodiment, the cell or organism is a human cell or organism. In specific embodiments, the nucleotide sequences of the different polynucleotide probes of the array are specific for at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the genes in the genome of the cell or organism. Most preferably, the nucleotide sequences of the different polynucleotide probes of the array are specific for all of the genes in the genome of the cell or organism. In specific embodiments, the polynucleotide probes of the array hybridize specifically and distinguishably to at least 10,000, to at least 20,000, to at least 50,000, to at least 80,000, or to at least 100,000 different polynucleotide sequences. In other specific embodiments, the polynucleotide probes of the array hybridize specifically and distinguishably to at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the genes or gene transcripts of the genome of a cell or organism. Most preferably, the polynucleotide probes of the array hybridize specifically and distinguishably to the genes or gene transcripts of the entire genome of a cell or organism.

In specific embodiments, the array has at least 100, at least 250, at least 1,000, or at least 2,500 probes per 1 cm², preferably all or at least 25% or 50% of which are different from each other. In another embodiment, the array is a positionally addressable array (in that the sequence of the polynucleotide probe at each position is known). In another embodiment, the nucleotide sequence of each polynucleotide probe in the array is a DNA sequence. In another embodiment, the DNA sequence is a single-stranded DNA sequence. The DNA sequence may be, e.g., a cDNA sequence, or a synthetic sequence.

When a cDNA molecule that corresponds to an mRNA of a cell is made and hybridized to a microarray under suitable hybridization conditions, the level of hybridization to the site in the array corresponding to any particular gene will reflect the prevalence in the cell of mRNA transcribed from that gene. For example, when detectably labeled (e.g., with a fluorophore) DNA complementary to the total cellular mRNA is hybridized to a microarray, the site on the array corresponding to a gene (i.e., capable of specifically binding the product of the gene) that is not transcribed in the cell will have little or no signal (e.g., fluorescent signal), and a gene for which the encoded mRNA is prevalent will have a relatively strong signal.

In some embodiments, cDNA molecule populations prepared from RNA from two different cell populations, or tissues, or organs, or whole organisms, are hybridized to the binding sites of the array. A single array can be used to simultaneously screen more than one cDNA sample. For example, in the context of the present invention, a single array can be used to simultaneously screen a cDNA sample prepared from a living thing that has been contacted with an agent (e.g., candidate partial agonist of PPARγ), and the same type of living thing that has not been contacted with the agent. The cDNA molecules in the two samples are differently labeled so that they can be distinguished. In one embodiment, for example, cDNA molecules from a cell population treated with a drug is synthesized using a fluorescein-labeled NTP, and cDNA molecules from a control cell population, not treated with the drug, is synthesized using a rhodamine-labeled NTP. When the two populations of cDNA molecules are mixed and hybridized to the DNA array, the relative intensity of signal from each population of cDNA molecules is determined for each site on the array, and any relative difference in abundance of a particular mRNA detected.

In this representative example, the cDNA molecule population from the drug-treated cells will fluoresce green when the fluorophore is stimulated, and the cDNA molecule population from the untreated cells will fluoresce red. As a result, when the drug treatment has no effect, either directly or indirectly, on the relative abundance of a particular mRNA in a cell, the mRNA will be equally prevalent in treated and untreated cells and red-labeled and green-labeled cDNA molecules will be equally prevalent. When hybridized to the DNA array, the binding site(s) for that species of RNA will emit wavelengths characteristic of both fluorophores (and appear brown in combination). In contrast, when the drug-exposed cell is treated with a drug that, directly or indirectly, increases the prevalence of the mRNA in the cell, the ratio of green to red fluorescence will increase. When the drug decreases the mRNA prevalence, the ratio will decrease.

The use of a two-color fluorescence labeling and detection scheme to define alterations in gene expression has been described, e.g., in Schena et al., 1995, Science 270:467-470, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. An advantage of using cDNA molecules labeled with two different fluorophores is that a direct and internally controlled comparison of the mRNA levels corresponding to each arrayed gene in two cell states can be made, and variations due to minor differences in experimental conditions (e.g., hybridization conditions) will not affect subsequent analyses. However, it will be recognized that it is also possible to use cDNA molecules from a single cell, and compare, for example, the absolute amount of a particular mRNA in, e.g., a drug-treated or an untreated cell.

Exemplary microarrays and methods for their manufacture and use are set forth in T. R. Hughes et al., Nature Biotechnology 19:342-347 (April 2001), which publication is incorporated herein by reference.

Preparation of nucleic acid molecules for immobilization on microarrays. As noted above, the “binding site” to which a particular, cognate, nucleic acid molecule specifically hybridizes is usually a nucleic acid, or nucleic acid analogue, attached at that binding site. In one embodiment, the binding sites of the microarray are DNA polynucleotides corresponding to at least a portion of some or all genes in an organism's genome. These DNAs can be obtained by, for example, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of gene segments from genomic DNA, cDNA (e.g., by reverse transcription or RT-PCR), or cloned sequences. Nucleic acid amplification primers are chosen, based on the known sequence of the genes or cDNA, that result in amplification of unique fragments (i.e., fragments that typically do not share more than 10 bases of contiguous identical sequence with any other fragment on the microarray). Computer programs are useful in the design of primers with the required specificity and optimal amplification properties. See, e.g., Oligo version 5.0 (National Biosciences). Typically each gene fragment on the microarray will be between about 50 bp and about 2000 bp, more typically between about 100 bp and about 1000 bp, and usually between about 300 bp and about 800 bp in length.

Nucleic acid amplification methods are well known and are described, for example, in Innis et al., eds., 1990, PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications, Academic Press Inc., San Diego, Calif., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Computer controlled robotic systems are useful for isolating and amplifying nucleic acids.

An alternative means for generating the nucleic acid molecules for the microarray is by synthesis of synthetic polynucleotides or oligonucleotides, e.g., using N-phosphonate or phosphoramidite chemistries (e.g., Froehler et al., 1986, Nucleic Acid Res 14:5399-5407). Synthetic sequences are typically between about 15 and about 100 bases in length, such as between about 20 and about 50 bases.

In some embodiments, synthetic nucleic acids include non-natural bases, e.g., inosine. Where the particular base in a given sequence is unknown or is polymorphic, a universal base, such as inosine or 5-nitroindole, may be substituted. Additionally, it is possible to vary the charge on the phosphate backbone of the oligonucleotide, for example, by thiolation or methylation, or even to use a peptide rather than a phosphate backbone. The making of such modifications is within the skill of one trained in the art.

As noted above, nucleic acid analogues may be used as binding sites for hybridization. An example of a suitable nucleic acid analogue is peptide nucleic acid (see, e.g., Egholm et al., 1993, Nature 365:566-568; see also U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,083).

In another embodiment, the binding (hybridization) sites are made from plasmid or phage clones of genes, cDNAs (e.g., expressed sequence tags), or inserts therefrom (Nguyen et al., 1995, Genomics 29:207-209). In yet another embodiment, the polynucleotide of the binding sites is RNA.

Attaching nucleic acids to the solid support. The nucleic acids, or analogues, are attached to a solid support, which may be made, for example, from glass, silicon, plastic (e.g., polypropylene, nylon, polyester), polyacrylamide, nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate or other materials. In general, non-porous supports, and glass in particular, are preferred. The solid support may also be treated in such a way as to enhance binding of oligonucleotides thereto, or to reduce non-specific binding of unwanted substances thereto. For example, a glass support may be treated with polylysine or silane to facilitate attachment of oligonucleotides to the slide.

Methods of immobilizing DNA on the solid support may include direct touch, micropipetting (see, e.g., Yershov et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93(10):4913-4918 (1996)), or the use of controlled electric fields to direct a given oligonucleotide to a specific spot in the array. Oligonucleotides are typically immobilized at a density of 100 to 10,000 oligonucleotides per cm², such as at a density of about 1000 oligonucleotides per cm².

A preferred method for attaching the nucleic acids to a surface is by printing on glass plates, as is described generally by Schena et al., 1995, Science 270:467-470. This method is especially useful for preparing microarrays of cDNA. (See also DeRisi et al., 1996, Nature Genetics 14:457-460; Shalon et al., 1996, Genome Res. 6:639-645; and Schena et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93(20):10614-19, 1996.)

In an alternative to immobilizing pre-fabricated oligonucleotides onto a solid support, it is possible to synthesize oligonucleotides directly on the support (see, e.g., Maskos et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 21:2269-70, 1993; Lipshutz et al., 1999, Nat. Genet. 21(1 Suppl):20-4). Methods of synthesizing oligonucleotides directly on a solid support include photolithography (see McGall et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 93:13555-60, 1996) and piezoelectric printing (Lipshutz et al., 1999, Nat. Genet. 21(1 Suppl):20-4).

A high-density oligonucleotide array may be employed. Techniques are known for producing arrays containing thousands of oligonucleotides complementary to defined sequences, at defined locations on a surface using photolithographic techniques for synthesis in situ (see Pease et al., 1994, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:5022-5026; Lockhart et al., 1996, Nature Biotechnol. 14:1675-80) or other methods for rapid synthesis and deposition of defined oligonucleotides (Lipshutz et al., 1999, Nat. Genet. 21(1 Suppl):20-4.).

In some embodiments, microarrays are manufactured by means of an ink jet printing device for oligonucleotide synthesis, e.g., using the methods and systems described by Blanchard in International Patent Publication No. WO 98/41531, published Sep. 24, 1998; Blanchard et al., 1996, Biosensors and bioelectronics 11:687-690; Blanchard, 1998, in Synthetic DNA Arrays in Genetic Engineering, Vol. 20, J. K. Setlow (ed.), Plenum Press, New York at pages 111-123; U.S. Pat. No. 6,028,189 to Blanchard. Specifically, the oligonucleotide probes in such microarrays are preferably synthesized in arrays, e.g., on a glass slide, by serially depositing individual nucleotide bases in “microdroplets” of a high surface tension solvent such as propylene carbonate. The microdroplets have small volumes (e.g., 100 pL or less, more preferably 50 pL or less) and are separated from each other on the microarray (e.g., by hydrophobic domains) to form circular surface tension wells which define the locations of the array elements (i.e., the different probes).

Other methods for making microarrays, e.g., by masking (Maskos and Southern, 1992, Nuc. Acids Res. 20:1679-1684), may also be used. In principle, any type of array, for example dot blots on a nylon hybridization membrane (see Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning—A Laboratory Manual (2d ed.), Vols. 1-3, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.), could be used, although, as will be recognized by those of skill in the art, very small arrays are typically preferred because hybridization volumes will be smaller.

Signal detection and data analysis. When fluorescently labeled probes are used, the fluorescence emissions at each site of an array can be detected by scanning confocal laser microscopy. In one embodiment, a separate scan, using the appropriate excitation line, is carried out for each of the two fluorophores used. Alternatively, a laser can be used that allows simultaneous specimen illumination at wavelengths specific to the two fluorophores and emissions from the two fluorophores can be analyzed simultaneously (see Shalon et al., 1996, Genome Research 6:639-645, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes). In one embodiment, the arrays are scanned with a laser fluorescent scanner with a computer controlled X-Y stage and a microscope objective. Sequential excitation of the two fluorophores is achieved with a multi-line, mixed gas laser and the emitted light is split by wavelength and detected with two photomultiplier tubes. Fluorescence laser scanning devices are described in Shalon et al., 1996, Genome Res. 6:639-645 and in other references cited herein. Alternatively, the fiber-optic bundle described by Ferguson et al., 1996, Nature Biotechnol. 14:1681-1684, may be used to monitor mRNA abundance levels at a large number of sites simultaneously.

Signals are recorded and may be analyzed by computer, e.g., using a 12 bit analog to digital board. In some embodiments the scanned image is despeckled using a graphics program (e.g., Hijaak Graphics Suite) and then analyzed using an image gridding program that creates a spreadsheet of the average hybridization at each wavelength at each site. If necessary, an experimentally determined correction for “cross talk” (or overlap) between the channels for the two fluors may be made. For any particular hybridization site on the transcript array, a ratio of the emission of the two fluorophores can be calculated. The ratio is independent of the absolute expression level of the cognate gene, but is useful for genes whose expression is significantly modulated by drug administration.

The relative abundance of an mRNA in two biological samples is scored as a perturbation and its magnitude determined (i.e., the abundance is different in the two sources of mRNA tested), or as not perturbed (i.e., the relative abundance is the same). Preferably, in addition to identifying a perturbation as positive or negative, it is advantageous to determine the magnitude of the perturbation. This can be carried out, as noted above, by calculating the ratio of the emission of the two fluorophores used for differential labeling, or by analogous methods that will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

By way of example, two samples, each labeled with a different fluor, are hybridized simultaneously to permit differential expression measurements. If neither sample hybridizes to a given spot in the array, no fluorescence will be seen. If only one hybridizes to a given spot, the color of the resulting fluorescence will correspond to that of the fluor used to label the hybridizing sample (for example, green if the sample was labeled with Cy3, or red, if the sample was labeled with Cy5). If both samples hybridize to the same spot, an intermediate color is produced (for example, yellow if the samples were labeled with fluorescein and rhodamine). Then, applying methods of pattern recognition and data analysis known in the art, it is possible to quantify differences in gene expression between the samples. Methods of pattern recognition and data analysis are described in e.g., International Publication WO 00/24936, which is incorporated by reference herein.

Measuring Gene Expression by Measuring Magnitude of Expression of a Population of Proteins: The magnitude of expression of a first population of genes and/or a second population of genes can be measured, for example, by measuring the magnitude of expression of proteins encoded by the genes.

Any useful method for measuring protein expression patterns can be used. Typically all, or substantially all, proteins are extracted from a living thing, or a portion thereof. The living thing is typically treated to disrupt cells, for example by homogenizing the cellular material in a blender, or by grinding (in the presence of acid-washed, siliconized, sand if desired) the cellular material with a mortar and pestle, or by subjecting the cellular material to osmotic stress that lyses the cells. Cell disruption may be carried out in the presence of a buffer that maintains the released contents of the disrupted cells at a desired pH, such as the physiological pH of the cells. The buffer may optionally contain inhibitors of endogenous proteases. Physical disruption of the cells can be conducted in the presence of chemical agents (e.g., detergents) that promote the release of proteins.

The cellular material may be treated in a manner that does not disrupt a significant proportion of cells, but which removes proteins from the surface of the cellular material, and/or from the interstices between cells. For example, cellular material can be soaked in a liquid buffer, or, in the case of plant material, can be subjected to a vacuum, in order to remove proteins located in the intercellular spaces and/or in the plant cell wall. If the cellular material is a microorganism, proteins can be extracted from the microorganism culture medium.

It may be desirable to include one or more protease inhibitors in the protein extraction buffer. Representative examples of protease inhibitors include: serine protease inhibitors (such as phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), benzamide, benzamidine HCl, ε-Amino-n-caproic acid and aprotinin (Trasylol)); cysteine protease inhibitors, such as sodium p-hydroxymercuribenzoate; competitive protease inhibitors, such as antipain and leupeptin; covalent protease inhibitors, such as iodoacetate and N-ethylmaleimide; aspartate (acidic) protease inhibitors, such as pepstatin and diazoacetylnorleucine methyl ester (DAN); metalloprotease inhibitors, such as EGTA [ethylene glycol bis(β-aminoethyl ether) N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid], and the chelator 1,10-phenanthroline.

The mixture of released proteins may, or may not, be treated to completely or partially purify some of the proteins for further analysis, and/or to remove non-protein contaminants (e.g., carbohydrates and lipids). In some embodiments, the complete mixture of released proteins is analyzed to determine the amount and/or identity of some or all of the proteins. For example, the protein mixture may be applied to a substrate bearing antibody molecules that specifically bind to one or more proteins in the mixture. The unbound proteins are removed (e.g., washed away with a buffer solution), and the amount of bound protein(s) is measured. Representative techniques for measuring the amount of protein using antibodies are described in Harlow and Lane, 1988, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., and include such techniques as the ELISA assay. Moreover, protein microarrays can be used to simultaneously measure the amount of a multiplicity of proteins. A surface of the microarray bears protein binding agents, such as monoclonal antibodies specific to a plurality of protein species. Preferably, antibodies are present for a substantial fraction of the encoded proteins, or at least for those proteins whose amount is to be measured. Methods for making monoclonal antibodies are well known (see, e.g., Harlow and Lane, 1988, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.). Protein binding agents are not restricted to monoclonal antibodies, and can be, for example, scFv/Fab diabodies, affibodies, and aptamers. Protein microarrays are generally described by M. F. Templin et al., Protein Microarray Technology, Trends in Biotechnology, 20(4):160-166(2002). Representative examples of protein microarrays are described by H. Zhu et al., Global Analysis of Protein Activities Using Proteome Chips, Science, 293:2102-2105 (2001); and G. MacBeath and S. L. Schreiber, Printing Proteins as Microarrays for High-Throughput Function Determination, Science, 289:1760-1763 (2000).

In some embodiments, the released protein is treated to completely or partially purify some of the proteins for further analysis, and/or to remove non-protein contaminants. Any useful purification technique, or combination of techniques, can be used. For example, a solution containing extracted proteins can be treated to selectively precipitate certain proteins, such as by dissolving ammonium sulfate in the solution, or by adding trichloroacetic acid. The precipitated material can be separated from the unprecipitated material, for example by centrifugation, or by filtration. The precipitated material can be further fractionated if so desired.

By way of example, a number of different neutral or slightly acidic salts have been used to solubilize, precipitate, or fractionate proteins in a differential manner. These include NaCl, Na₂SO₄, MgSO₄ and NH₄(SO₄)₂. Ammonium sulfate is a commonly used precipitant for salting proteins out of solution. The solution to be treated with ammonium sulfate may first be clarified by centrifugation. The solution should be in a buffer at neutral pH unless there is a reason to conduct the precipitation at another pH; in most cases the buffer will have ionic strength close to physiological. Precipitation is usually performed at 0-4° C. (to reduce the rate of proteolysis caused by proteases in the solution), and all solutions should be precooled to that temperature range.

Representative examples of other art-recognized techniques for purifying, or partially purifying, proteins from a living thing are exclusion chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, reversed-phase chromatography and immobilized metal affinity chromatography.

Hydrophobic interaction chromatography and reversed-phase chromatography are two separation methods based on the interactions between the hydrophobic moieties of a sample and an insoluble, immobilized hydrophobic group present on the chromatography matrix. In hydrophobic interaction chromatography the matrix is hydrophilic and is substituted with short-chain phenyl or octyl nonpolar groups. The mobile phase is usually an aqueous salt solution. In reversed phase chromatography the matrix is silica that has been substituted with longer n-alkyl chains, usually C₈ (octylsilyl) or C₁₈ (octadecylsilyl). The matrix is less polar than the mobile phase. The mobile phase is usually a mixture of water and a less polar organic modifier.

Separations on hydrophobic interaction chromatography matrices are usually done in aqueous salt solutions, which generally are nondenaturing conditions. Samples are loaded onto the matrix in a high-salt buffer and elution is by a descending salt gradient. Separations on reversed-phase media are usually done in mixtures of aqueous and organic solvents, which are often denaturing conditions. In the case of protein purification, hydrophobic interaction chromatography depends on surface hydrophobic groups and is usually carried out under conditions which maintain the integrity of the protein molecule. Reversed-phase chromatography depends on the native hydrophobicity of the protein and is carried out under conditions which expose nearly all hydrophobic groups to the matrix, i.e., denaturing conditions.

Ion-exchange chromatography is designed specifically for the separation of ionic or ionizable compounds. The stationary phase (column matrix material) carries ionizable functional groups, fixed by chemical bonding to the stationary phase. These fixed charges carry a counterion of opposite sign. This counterion is not fixed and can be displaced. Ion-exchange chromatography is named on the basis of the sign of the displaceable charges. Thus, in anion ion-exchange chromatography the fixed charges are positive and in cation ion-exchange chromatography the fixed charges are negative.

Retention of a molecule on an ion-exchange chromatography column involves an electrostatic interaction between the fixed charges and those of the molecule, binding involves replacement of the nonfixed ions by the molecule. Elution, in turn, involves displacement of the molecule from the fixed charges by a new counterion with a greater affinity for the fixed charges than the molecule, and which then becomes the new, nonfixed ion.

The ability of counterions (salts) to displace molecules bound to fixed charges is a function of the difference in affinities between the fixed charges and the nonfixed charges of both the molecule and the salt. Affinities in turn are affected by several variables, including the magnitude of the net charge of the molecule and the concentration and type of salt used for displacement.

Solid-phase packings used in ion-exchange chromatography include cellulose, dextrans, agarose, and polystyrene. The exchange groups used include DEAE (diethylaminoethyl), a weak base, that will have a net positive charge when ionized and will therefore bind and exchange anions; and CM (carboxymethyl), a weak acid, with a negative charge when ionized that will bind and exchange cations. Another form of weak anion exchanger contains the PEI (polyethyleneimine) functional group. This material, most usually found on thin layer sheets, is useful for binding proteins at pH values above their pI. The polystyrene matrix can be obtained with quaternary ammonium functional groups for strong base anion exchange or with sulfonic acid functional groups for strong acid cation exchange. Intermediate and weak ion-exchange materials are also available. Ion-exchange chromatography need not be performed using a column, and can be performed as batch ion-exchange chromatography with the slurry of the stationary phase in a vessel such as a beaker.

Gel filtration is performed using porous beads as the chromatographic support. A column constructed from such beads will have two measurable liquid volumes, the external volume, consisting of the liquid between the beads, and the internal volume, consisting of the liquid within the pores of the beads. Large molecules will equilibrate only with the external volume while small molecules will equilibrate with both the external and internal volumes. A mixture of molecules (such as proteins) is applied in a discrete volume or zone at the top of a gel filtration column and allowed to percolate through the column. The large molecules are excluded from the internal volume and therefore emerge first from the column while the smaller molecules, which can access the internal volume, emerge later. The volume of a conventional matrix used for protein purification is typically 30 to 100 times the volume of the sample to be fractionated. The absorbance of the column effluent can be continuously monitored at a desired wavelength using a flow monitor.

A technique that can be applied to the purification of proteins is High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). HPLC is an advancement in both the operational theory and fabrication of traditional chromatographic systems. HPLC systems for the separation of biological macromolecules vary from the traditional column chromatographic systems in three ways; (1) the column packing materials are of much greater mechanical strength, (2) the particle size of the column packing materials has been decreased 5- to 10-fold to enhance adsorption-desorption kinetics and diminish bandspreading, and (3) the columns are operated at 10-60 times higher mobile-phase velocity. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, HPLC can utilize exclusion chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, reversed-phase chromatography and immobilized metal affinity chromatography.

An exemplary technique that is useful for measuring the amounts of individual proteins in a mixture of proteins is two dimensional gel electrophoresis. This technique typically involves isoelectric focussing of a protein mixture along a first dimension, followed by SDS-PAGE of the focussed proteins along a second dimension (see, e.g., Hames et al., 1990, Gel Electrophoresis of Proteins: A Practical Approach, IRL Press, New York; Shevchenko et al., 1996, Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 93:1440-1445; Sagliocco et al., 1996, Yeast 12:1519-1533; Lander, 1996, Science 274:536-539; and Beaumont et al., Life Science News, 7, 2001, Amersham Pharmacia Biotech. The resulting series of protein “spots” on the second dimension SDS-PAGE gel can be measured to reveal the amount of one or more specific proteins in the mixture. The identity of the measured proteins may, or may not, be known; it is only necessary to be able to identify and measure specific protein “spots” on the second dimension gel. Numerous techniques are available to measure the amount of protein in a “spot” on the second dimension gel. For example, the gel can be stained with a reagent that binds to proteins and yields a visible protein “spot” (e.g., Coomassie blue dye, or staining with silver nitrate), and the density of the stained spot can be measured. Again by way of example, all, or most, proteins in a mixture can be measured with a fluorescent reagent before electrophoretic separation, and the amount of fluorescence in some, or all, of the resolved protein “spots” can be measured (see, e.g., Beaumont et al., Life Science News, 7, 2001, Amersham Pharmacia Biotech).

Again by way of example, any HPLC technique (e.g., exclusion chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, reversed-phase chromatography and immobilized metal affinity chromatography) can be used to separate proteins in a mixture, and the separated proteins can thereafter be directed to a detector (e.g., spectrophotometer) that detects and measures the amount of individual proteins.

In some embodiments of the invention it is desirable to both identify and measure the amount of specific proteins. A technique that is useful in these embodiments of the invention is mass spectrometry, in particular the techniques of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), although it is understood that mass spectrometry can be used only to measure the amounts of proteins without also identifying (by function and/or sequence) the proteins. These techniques overcame the problem of generating ions from large, non-volatile, analytes, such as proteins, without significant analyte fragmentation (see, e.g., R. Aebersold and D. R. Goodlett, Mass Spectrometry in Proteomics, Chemical Reviews, 102(2): 269-296 (2001)).

Thus, for example, proteins can be extracted from cells of a living thing and individual proteins purified therefrom using, for example, any of the art-recognized purification techniques described herein (e.g., HPLC). The purified proteins are subjected to enzymatic degradation using a protein-degrading agent (e.g., an enzyme, such as trypsin) that cleaves proteins at specific amino acid sequences. The resulting protein fragments are subjected to mass spectrometry. If the sequence of the complete genome (or at least the sequence of part of the genome) of the living thing from which the proteins were isolated is known, then computer algorithms are available that can compare the observed protein fragments to the protein fragments that are predicted to exist by cleaving the proteins encoded by the genome with the agent used to cleave the extracted proteins. Thus, the identity, and the amount, of the proteins from which the observed fragments are derived can be determined.

Again by way of example, the use of isotope-coded affinity tags in conjunction with mass spectrometry is a technique that is adapted to permit comparison of the identities and amounts of proteins expressed in different samples of the same type of living thing subjected to different treatments (e.g., the same type of living tissue cultured, in vitro, in the presence or absence of a candidate drug) (see, e.g., S. P. Gygi et al., Quantitative Analysis of Complex Protein Mixtures Using Isotope-Coded Affinity Tags (ICATs), Nature Biotechnology, 17:994-999(1999)). In an exemplary embodiment of this method, two different samples of the same type of living thing are subjected to two different treatments (treatment 1 and treatment 2). Proteins are extracted from the treated living things and are labeled (via cysteine residues) with an ICAT reagent that includes (1) a thiol-specific reactive group, (2) a linker that can include eight deuteriums (yielding a heavy ICAT reagent) or no deuteriums (yielding a light ICAT reagent), and (3) a biotin molecule. Thus, for example, the proteins from treatment 1 may be labeled with the heavy ICAT reagent, and proteins from treatment 2 may be labelled with the light ICAT reagent. The labeled proteins from treatment 1 and treatment 2 are combined and enzymatically cleaved to generate peptide fragments. The tagged (cysteine-containing) fragments are isolated by avidin affinity chromatography (that binds the biotin moiety of the ICAT reagent). The isolated peptides are then separated by mass spectrometry. The quantity and identity of the peptides (and the proteins from which they are derived) may be determined. The method is also applicable to proteins that do not include cysteines by using ICAT reagents that label other amino acids.

Numerical Values Representing Comparison Results: the magnitudes of the expression of gene populations are compared in the practice of the present invention, and the resulting comparison results are expressed as numerical values. For example, the magnitude of gene expression of a first population of genes, in a cell type, in response to an agent is compared to the magnitude of gene expression of the first population of genes, in the same cell type, in response to a full agonist (functioning as a reference compound) of a target molecule, to produce a first comparison result, wherein the first comparison result is represented by a first numerical value.

Any useful mathematical technique can be used to obtain a numerical value that represents a comparison result obtained in the practice of the present invention. For example, the first and second numerical values used in the practice of the present invention can be represented by the scale factor S as defined in the following exemplary statistical methods:

(1).

${S = {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n}{X_{i}/{\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n}\; R_{i}}}}};$ wherein n stands for the number of genes and/or proteins.

(2).

$S = {\left( {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n}\;{X_{i}/R_{i}}} \right)/n}$

(3). Fit a straight line by: X_(i)=S*R_(i)

(4). Least χ² fitting: choose a value of S to minimize the χ²:

$\chi^{2} = {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n}\;{\left( {{S*R_{i}} - X_{i}} \right)^{2}/\left( {\sigma_{Ri}^{2} + \sigma_{Xi}^{2}} \right)}}$

(5). Least square fitting: choose a value of S to minimize the Q²:

$Q^{2} = {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n}\;\left( {{S*R_{i}} - X_{i}} \right)^{2}}$

In the foregoing formulae, Ri, σ_(Ri) stand for the log(Ratio) and error of the log(Ratio) for ith gene, or ith protein, from the template experiment; Xi and σ_(Xi) stand for the log(Ratio) and error of log(Ratio) of the same gene, or protein, expressed in response to a candidate agent. The template experiment is the experiment that yields gene expression data, or protein expression data, in response to an agent having a known biological activity.

Almost all statistical “fitting” algorithms can be used to generate a scale factor for comparing the expression responses (transcriptional, proteomic or metabolic) produced by an agent with the expression responses produced by a reference agent.

Another exemplary method that can be used to analyze or compare gene expression profiles is averaging. For example, the average expression value for each gene, in a first or second population of genes, response to the candidate agent is divided by the average expression value for each gene in response to the reference agent to yield a percentage expression value for each gene. The mean of all of the percentage expression values is calculated and is the comparison value for the candidate agent. Similarly, for example, if protein expression levels are being measured, the average expression value for each protein in response to the candidate agent is divided by the average expression value for each protein in response to the reference agent to yield a percentage expression value for each protein. The mean of all of the percentage expression values is calculated and is the comparison value for the candidate agent.

Standard statistical techniques can be found in statistical texts, such as Modern Elementary Statistics, John E. Freund, 7^(th) edition, published by Prentice-Hall; and Practical Statistics for Environmental and Biological Scientists, John Townend, published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Using the First Numerical Value and the Second Numerical Value: In the practice of the present invention the first numerical value and the second numerical value are used to determine whether the agent is more like a partial agonist of the target molecule than a full agonist of the same target molecule. Typically, an agent is more like a partial agonist of a target molecule than a full agonist of the same target molecule if the comparison result for the first population of genes is significantly greater than the comparison result for the second population of genes (i.e., the first numerical value for the first population of genes is significantly greater than the second numerical value for the second population of genes).

For example, a chi-square fitting algorithm can be used to compute first and second comparison results (each represented by a numerical value) for several reference full agonists (or, for example, for several different doses of a single full agonist). The first and second comparison results for each reference agonist (or dosage) are plotted on an x-y graph (such as the x-y graph shown in THE FIGURE); the first comparison results are plotted on the y-axis, and the second comparison results are plotted on the x-axis. A best fitting straight line for these data is plotted using a standard statistical fitting technique, which may also provide the confidence intervals for the plotted data. If the intersection of the first and second numerical results, for a candidate agent, on the x-y graph is located at a point above the best fitting straight line, and the distance between the point and the best fitting straight line is statistically larger than the confidence interval for the best fitting straight line, then the agent is more like a partial agonist than an agonist of the target molecule.

Again by way of example, the ratio of the first numerical value to the second numerical value can be calculated. If the ratio of the first numerical value to the second numerical value is significantly greater than a defined value (e.g., greater than 1) then the agent is more like a partial agonist than an agonist of the target molecule.

Ranking Candidate Compounds: The methods of the present invention can include the step of ranking agents wherein the position of the agent in the rank indicates the level of similarity of the agent to a partial agonist of a target molecule. For example, the ratio of the first numerical value to the second numerical value can be calculated for each agent. The agents can then be ranked based on the value of the foregoing ratio, wherein the agent having the largest ratio is ranked at the top and is considered to be most like a partial agonist of a target molecule, and the candidate having the smallest ratio is ranked at the bottom and is considered to be least like a partial agonist of the same target molecule. Some of the ranked agents may be chosen for further study. For example, agents ranked at or near the top may be chosen for further study.

Screening for Compounds that Reduce Blood Plasma Glucose Levels: In another aspect, the present invention provides methods to screen compounds to identify a candidate compound that may reduce blood plasma glucose concentration in a mammal (e.g., a human being). The methods of this aspect of the invention each include the step of contacting a cell, of a cell type, with a compound and determining whether the compound causes a significant increase in the level of expression of a population of 29 genes that each hybridize under stringent conditions to a different member of the group of nucleic acid molecules consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1-29, wherein if the compound causes a significant increase in the level of expression of the population of 29 genes then the compound is selected as a candidate compound that may reduce blood plasma glucose concentration in a mammal. Selected compounds may be administered to a mammal to determine whether the selected compounds reduce blood plasma glucose concentration in the mammal.

This aspect of the invention relies, at least in part, on the discovery that the level of expression of the population of genes corresponding to SEQ ID NOS:1-29 is significantly increased by partial agonists of PPARγ. Partial agonists of PPARγ have the property of being able to reduce blood plasma glucose concentration in a mammal when administered to the mammal in an effective amount. Thus, a significant increase in the level of expression of the genes corresponding to SEQ ID NOS:1-29 correlates with a reduction in blood plasma glucose concentration in a mammal.

SEQ ID NOS:1-29 are cDNA molecules that correspond to 29 different genes as described herein. Each of the 29 genes hybridizes under stringent conditions to its corresponding cDNA having a nucleic acid sequence set forth in one of SEQ ID NOS:1-29, but not to any other of the 29 cDNAs having the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1-29. In this context, stringent hybridization conditions are at least of 5×SSC at 55° C. for one hour. Other exemplary stringent hybridization conditions are 5×SSC at 65° C. for one hour. The abbreviation “SSC” refers to a buffer used in nucleic acid hybridization solutions. One liter of the 20× (twenty times concentrate) stock SSC buffer solution (pH 7.0) contains 175.3 g sodium chloride and 88.2 g sodium citrate.

In the practice of this aspect of the invention, the level of expression of the aforementioned population of 29 genes in response to a compound is typically compared to the level of expression of the aforementioned population of 29 genes in a control cell of the same cell type, wherein the control cell has been treated identically to the cell contacted with the compound, except that the control cell has not been contacted with the compound. If the level of expression of the aforementioned population of 29 genes is significantly higher in the cell contacted with the compound, compared to the level of expression of the aforementioned population of 29 genes in the control cell, then the compound is typically selected as a candidate compound that may reduce blood plasma glucose concentration in a mammal.

The selected compound is typically subjected to further study to determine whether the compound reduces blood plasma glucose concentration in a mammal (e.g., a controlled experiment is conducted wherein the selected compound is administered to a group of mammals, such as rats or mice, and the effect of the compound on blood plasma glucose concentration is determined).

The level of expression of the aforementioned population of 29 genes in a cell (or population of cells) may be measured, for example, by any of the gene expression measurement techniques described herein. For example, any of the statistical techniques described in the portion of the present patent application entitled “Numerical Values Representing Comparison Results” can be used to compare the level of expression of the aforementioned population of 29 genes in a cell (or population of cells) contacted with a compound, with the level of expression of the aforementioned population of 29 genes in a control cell (or population of control cells) not contacted with the compound, and to determine whether a significant difference exists between the levels of gene expression in the contacted and uncontacted cell(s).

The methods of this aspect of the present invention may include the additional step of determining the ratio of gene expression of the aforementioned population of 29 genes, to the ratio of gene expression of a population of 11 genes, wherein the 11 genes each hybridize under stringent conditions to a different member of the group of nucleic acid molecules consisting of SEQ ID NOS:30-40. SEQ ID NOS:30-40 are cDNA molecules that correspond to 11 different genes as described herein. In this context, stringent hybridization conditions are at least 5×SSC at 55° C. for one hour. Other exemplary stringent hybridization conditions are 5×SSC at 65° C. for one hour.

A multiplicity of candidate compounds may be ranked based on the ratio of gene expression of the 29 genes to the 11 genes, wherein compounds producing a ratio higher than a selected ratio value are further tested to determine whether the compounds reduce blood plasma glucose concentration in a mammal.

The following examples merely illustrate the best mode now contemplated for practicing the invention, but should not be construed to limit the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

This example describes the identification of an efficacy-related population of genes (SEQ ID NOS:1-29) and a toxicity-related population of genes (SEQ ID NOS:30-40) that can be used to determine whether an agent is more like a partial agonist of PPARγ than a full agonist of PPARγ. This Example also discloses the sequences of a population of 29 oligonucleotide probes (SEQ ID NOS:41-69) that are hybridization probes for the 29 genes of the efficacy-related population of genes (SEQ ID NOS:1-29), and the sequences of a population of 17 oligonucleotide probes (SEQ ID NOS:70-86) that are hybridization probes for the 11 genes of the toxicity-related population of genes (SEQ ID NOS:30-40).

Table 1 shows the GENBANK® accession number and gene name for each member of the efficacy-related population of genes.

TABLE 1 Accession number Gene Name Gene SEQ ID NO Probe SEQ ID NO NM_016740 S100a11 1 41 AK020722 1110003F05Rik 2 42 AK004305 D10Ertd749e 3 43 NM_025662 Pigk 4 44 AK016205 Dixdc1 5 45 AK011301 Nap111 6 46 AK010169 2310075E07Rik 7 47 AK014794 Zmynd17 8 48 AK014487 Sdsl 9 49 AK007076 1700095D18Rik 10 50 NM_011598 Fabp9 11 51 AK010321 2410001C21Rik 12 52 NM_026519 2610318K02Rik 13 53 BF318286 3110043O21Rik 14 54 AK004659 Cfl2 15 55 NM_028333 Angptl1 16 56 BB326776 BB326776 17 57 AK010936 Ak2 18 58 AK009798 2310044E02Rik 19 59 NM_010918 Nktr 20 60 NM_019930 Ranbp9 21 61 AK003201 1110001A23Rik 22 62 AK010201 2310076K21Rik 23 63 M20497 Fabp4 24 64 BE457517 Ppp2r5a 25 65 M13264 Fabp4 26 66 AF011360 Rgs7 27 67 U53228 Rora 28 68 L23108 Cd36 29 69

Table 2 shows the GENBANK® accession number and gene name for each member of the toxicity-related population of genes.

TABLE 2 Accession number Gene Name Gene SEQ ID NO Probe SEQ ID NO BC019496 Agt 30 70 AK005080 Suclg1 31 71 AK075624 Slc25a20 32 72 BC005792 Pte1 33 73 NM_024446 Nudt7 34 74 BC009134 D14Wsu89e 35 75 Z71189 Acadvl 36 76 77 78 D13664 Postn 37 79 D50834 Cyp4b1 38 80 81 82 U37501 Lama5 39 83 X89998 Hsd17b4 40 84 85 86

The magnitude of expression of a first population of genes (e.g., an efficacy-related population of genes) useful in the practice of the present invention is consistently more regulated by partial agonists of a target molecule than by full agonists of the same target molecule. In the present Example, genes for inclusion in an efficacy-related population of genes were consistently more regulated by partial agonists of PPARγ than by full agonists of PPARγ.

The criteria applied to determining that a gene was consistently more regulated by partial agonists of PPARγ than by full agonists of PPARγ were: (1) the ratio of the magnitude of gene expression caused by the partial agonists over the magnitude of gene expression caused by the full agonists was consistently larger than the average of such ratio determined by using all robust signature genes (wherein signature genes are genes that show greater regulation by the partial agonists than by the full agonists); and (2) the ratio of the magnitude of gene expression caused by the partial agonists of PPARγ over the ratio of gene expression caused by the full agonists of PPARγ was consistently equal to or larger than the ratio of the endpoint efficacy (Glucose Correction) effect caused by the partial agonists of PPARγ to the endpoint efficacy (Glucose Correction) caused by the full agonists of PPARγ.

Genetically altered, diabetic, mice (db/db strain, available from the Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Me., U.S.A., as strain C57B1/KFJ, and described by Chen et al., Cell 84:491-495 (1996), and by Combs et al., Endocrinology 142:998-1007 (2002)) were treated with two PPARγ full agonists, and 7 PPARγ partial agonists. The compounds were administered to the animals daily. Serum glucose measurements were taken at the onset (before dosing) and 24 hr after the 7th dose. Glucose Correction was computed as 100-(db Treated With Drug-Lean Treated With Vehicle)/(dbTreated With Vehicle-Lean Treated With Vehicle)*100, all using Day7 glucose measurements. Glucose Lowering was computed as (Day7-Day0)/Day0 for each treatment. Epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT tissue) was removed from the treated mice 6 hours after the 8th dose and was subsequently profiled using Agilent v1.2 25K mouse DNA microarrays.

Table 3 shows the identity and dosage of the two PPARγ full agonists, and 7 PPARγ partial agonists administered to the mice.

TABLE 3 Doses Chemical Name Type (mg/kg/day) 5-(4-{2-[methyl(pyridin-2- Full  3, 30, 100 yl)amino]ethoxy}benzyl)-1,3- (Rosiglitazone) thiazolidine-2,4-dione) {2-[2-(4-phenoxy-2- Full  3, 30 propylphenoxy)ethyl]-1H-indol-5- yl}acetic acid sodium (2R)-2-(3-{[3- Partial  3, 20 (4-chlorophenoxy)-2-methyl-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indol-1- yl]methyl}phenoxy)butanoate sodium (2R)-2-(4-chloro-3- Partial 10, 30 {[3-(6-methoxy-1,2- benzisoxazol-3-yl)-2-methyl- 6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indol- 1-yl]methyl}phenoxy)propanoate sodium (2R)-2-(4-chloro-3- Partial  5, 20 {[3-(6-methoxy-1,2- benzisoxazol-3-yl)-2-methyl-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indol-1- yl]methyl}phenoxy)butanoate sodium (2S)-2-(2-chloro-5-{[3- Partial 10, 50 (4-chlorophenoxy)-2-methyl-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indol-1- yl]methyl}phenoxy)propanoate 5-chloro-1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3- Partial 10, 30 (phenylthio)-1H-indole-2- carboxylic acid Partial Agonist No: 1 Partial 10, 30 sodium (2S)-2-(3-{[3-(4- Partial  5, 30 chlorophenoxy)-2-methyl-6- (trifluoromethoxy)-1H-indol-1- yl]methyl}phenoxy)propanoate

The first population of genes was selected using the following procedures:

(1) Selecting robust efficacy-related genes: Genes were selected that had expression that was significantly correlated (pvalue for the correlation <0.01) with the efficacy endpoint (Glucose correction). The selected genes were then compared to genes that showed robust regulation (pvalue for replicate combined logRatio <0.01, and fold change >1.2×) in at least two out of four of the following animal groups that were each treated with one of the following four high doses of the PPARγ full agonist rosiglitazone: rosiglitazone administered at a dosage of 30 mg/kg/day; rosiglitazone administered at a dosage of 100 mg/kg/day; rosiglitazone administered at a dosage of 30 mg/kg/day (in the second batch of the profiling experiment); and {2-[2-(4-phenoxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethyl]-1H-indol-5-yl}acetic acid administered at a dosage of 30 mg/kg/day. 1205 genes were identified using this method.

(2) Computing a fullness score for each treatment: Replicate gene expression profiles of mice treated with 100 mg/kg/day rosiglitazone were combined (error weighted average) into one template experiment. The 1205 genes identified in step (1) were further compared with the robust signature genes that had a replicate combined pvalue <0.01, and a fold change in the magnitude of gene expression >1.3× in the template experiment. 610 genes were identified using this method.

Chi-square fitting of the expression data of the selected 610 genes was used to obtain a fullness score for each treatment (i.e., for each dosage of each PPARγ full or partial agonist). The chi-square fitting formula was:

$\chi^{2} = {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n}\;{\left( {{S*R_{i}} - X_{i}} \right)^{2}/\left( {\sigma_{Ri}^{2} + \sigma_{Xi}^{2}} \right)}}$

Where Ri, σRi stand for the logRatio and error for logRatio of the full template. Xi and σXi stand for the logRatio and error for logRatio of the tested compound. This chi square fitting method is described, for example, by W. Press et al., Numerical Recipes in C, Chapter 14, Cambridge University Press (1991).

The fullness score is represented by S in the above formula, and is a measure of the average ratio of the level of gene expression of the 610 genes caused by a test compound (e.g., PPARγ partial agonist) versus the level of gene expression caused by the template compound (e.g., PPARγ full agonist).

(3) Using the fullness score to select genes having expression that was more regulated by PPARγ partial agonists than by the template compound: animals were selected that had been treated with a PPARγ partial agonist, and that had a fullness score (S) greater than 0.3. Genes that were expressed in the selected animals were selected wherein the ratio of regulation (logRatio) by the PPARγ partial agonist over regulation by the template compound was larger than the fullness score in more than 80% of the selected animals.

(4) Using efficacy end point data to select genes that were more regulated by PPARγ partial agonists than by the template compound: animals were selected that had been treated with PPARγ partial agonists and that had the following efficacy end point measurements: Glucose Correction >40% and Glucose Lowering >40%. Genes were then selected wherein the regulation (logRatio) of gene expression by the PPARγ partial agonists over the regulation (logRatio) of gene expression by the template compound was equal to or larger than the ratio of the glucose correction by the PPARγ partial agonists over the glucose correction by the template compound in more than 80% of the selected animals.

(5) Identification of Efficacy-related Genes: 29 genes (SEQ ID NOS:1-29) were identified that occurred in each of the gene populations identified in foregoing steps (1), (3) and (4). These 29 genes (SEQ ID NOS:1-29) consistently showed more regulation by PPARγ partial agonists than by PPARγ full agonists.

(6) Similar criteria were applied to the Sprague Dawley Rat profiling experiments to select a second population of genes that consistently showed less regulation by PPARγ partial agonists than by PPARγ full agonists. The rat animal model was used because it is believed to be a better animal model to study toxicity effects of PPARγ agonists. The selected rat genes were then mapped to mouse sequences and 11 homologous mouse genes (SEQ ID NOS:30-40) were obtained, so that the first (efficacy-related) populations of genes (SEQ ID NOS:1-29), and the second (toxicity-related) populations of genes (SEQ ID NOS:30-40) can both be used to study the effects of PPARγ agonists and PPARγ partial agonists in the same model organism (mice).

EXAMPLE 2

This example shows the use of the efficacy-related population of genes (SEQ ID NOS:1-29) and the toxicity-related population of genes (SEQ ID NOS:30-40) to distinguish between representative PPARγ partial agonists and representative PPARγ full agonists.

Experiment: 3T3-L1 cells were induced to fully differentiate into adipocytes by the protocol described in Endocrinology 143(6):2106-18 (2002). At day 8, cells were incubated with the testing compound for 24 hours.

The testing compounds included eleven partial PPARγ agonists, two full PPARγ agonists, and two compounds that did not interact with PPARγ: compound L-023499 (a liver X-receptor), and compound L-634273 (a PPARα agonist). The testing compounds and their dosages are set forth in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Chemical Name Type Dose (μM) 5-(4-{2-[methyl(pyridin- Rosiglitazone 1, 10 2-yl)amino]ethoxy}benzyl)-1,3- thiazolidine-2,4-dione) 5-{4-[2-(5-ethylpyridin-2- Full 10, 30  yl)ethoxy]benzyl}-1,3- thiazolidine-2,4-dione sodium (2R)-2-(4-chloro-3-{[3- Partial 1, 10 (6-methoxy-1,2-benzisoxazol-3-yl)- 2-methyl-6-(trifluoromethoxy)-1H- indol-1-yl]methyl}phenoxy)propanoate Partial Agonist No: 2 Partial 1, 10 Partial Agonist No: 3 Partial 1, 10 Partial Agonist No: 4 Partial 1, 10 Partial Agonist No: 5 Partial 1, 10 Partial Agonist No: 6 Partial 1, 10 Partial Agonist No: 7 Partial 1, 10 Partial Agonist No: 8 Partial 1, 10 Partial Agonist No: 9 Partial 1, 10 Partial 9 Partial 1, 10 Partial Agonist No: 10 Partial 1, 10 WY14643 ({4-chloro-6-[(2,3- PPAR alpha 1, 10 dimethylphenyl)amino]pyrimidin- 2-yl}thio)acetic acid 3-(3-{[7-propyl-3- LXR agonist 1, 10 (trifluoromethyl)-1,2-benzisoxazol-6- yl]oxy}propyl)dihydropyrimidine- 2,4(1H,3H)-dione

Analysis: The following method was used to distinguish between PPARγ partial agonists and PPARγ full agonists using the efficacy-related population of genes (SEQ ID NOS:1-29) and the toxicity-related population of genes (SEQ ID NOS:30-40) described in Example 1.

(1) A gene expression score was computed using the expression data of the population of 29 efficacy-related genes (SEQ ID NOS:1-29). Replicate gene expression profiles from 3T3L1 adipocytes treated with rosiglitazone (at a concentration of 10 μM) were combined (error weighted average) into one template experiment. The expression data from the 29 efficacy-related genes (SEQ ID NOS:1-29) were subjected to chi-square fitting (as described in step (2) of Example 1) to obtain a gene score (GS 1) for each treatment.

(2) Step (1) of this Example was repeated using the 11 toxicity-related genes (SEQ ID NOS:30-40) to obtain a gene score (GS2) for each treatment.

(3) The FIGURE shows the comparison plot that was generated using the two gene scores (GS1-vs-GS2). The comparison plot shows that the PPARγ full agonists distributed along the 45 degree diagonal line, while the PPARγ partial agonists distributed above the diagonal line. The vehicle samples and compounds that were not PPARγ agonists, or PPARγ partial agonists, distributed around zero, or below the diagonal line.

The observed distinction between PPARγ partial agonists and PPARγ full agonists is independent of the dosage. The results of additional experiments (data not shown) demonstrated that PPARγ full agonists, used at medium dosage, also distributed along the diagonal line, and that the PPARγ partial agonists and PPARγ full agonists can be distinguished regardless of dosage.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A method of determining whether an agent is more like a partial agonist of a target molecule than a full agonist of the same target molecule, the method comprising the steps of: (a) comparing the magnitude of gene expression of a first population of genes, in cells of a cell type, in response to an agent to the magnitude of gene expression of the first population of genes, in cells of the cell type, in response to a full agonist of a target molecule, to produce a first comparison result, wherein the first population of genes is an efficacy-related population of genes that consists of a population of 29 genes that each hybridize under stringent conditions to a different member of the group of nucleic acid molecules consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1-29, and wherein the first comparison result is represented by a first numerical value; (b) comparing the magnitude of gene expression of a second population of genes, in cells of the cell type, in response to the agent to the magnitude of gene expression of the second population of genes, in cells of the cell type, in response to the full agonist of the target molecule, to produce a second comparison result, wherein the second population of genes is a toxicity-related population of genes that consists of a population of 11 genes that each hybridize under stringent conditions to a different member of the group of nucleic acid molecules consisting of SEQ ID NOS:30-40, and wherein the second comparison result is represented by a second numerical value; and (c) using the first numerical value and the second numerical value to determine whether the agent is more like a partial agonist of the target molecule than the full agonist of the target molecule, wherein any part of step (a) can occur before, during, or after any part of step (b), wherein steps (a), (b), and (c) are performed by a suitably programmed computer.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein gene expression is measured by measuring RNA expression.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein gene expression is measured by measuring mRNA expression.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein gene expression is measured by measuring protein expression.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein chi-square analysis is used to compare the magnitudes of expression of the gene populations to obtain the first and second numerical values.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the determination is made that the agent is more like the partial agonist than the full agonist if the comparison result for the first population of genes is significantly greater than the comparison result for the second population of genes.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the first and second numerical values are compared on a comparison plot to determine whether the agent is more like the partial agonist than the full agonist of the target molecule.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the ratio of the first numerical value to the second numerical value is used to determine whether the agent is more like the partial agonist than the full agonist of the target molecule.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the determination is made that the agent is more like the partial agonist than the full agonist if the ratio of the first numerical value to the second numerical value is greater than a selected value.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein the determination is made that the agent is more like the partial agonist than the full agonist if the ratio of the first numerical value to the second numerical value is greater than one.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the determination is made that the agent is more like the partial agonist than the full agonist if the comparison result for the efficacy-related population of genes is significantly greater than the comparison result for the toxicity-related population of genes.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein a ratio of the first numerical value to the second numerical value is calculated, and the determination is made that the agent is more like the partial agonist than the full agonist if the ratio is greater than one.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein a ratio of the second numerical value to the first numerical value is calculated, and the determination is made that the agent is more like the partial agonist than the full agonist if the ratio is less than one.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein the target molecule is a PPARγ molecule.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the determination is made that the agent is more like a partial PPARγ agonist than a full PPARγ agonist if the comparison result for the efficacy-related population of genes is significantly greater than the comparison result for the toxicity-related population of genes.
 16. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of ranking a multiplicity of agents to form a rank of agents, wherein the position of an agent in the rank indicates the level of similarity of the agent to a partial agonist of the target molecule.
 17. The method of claim 1 wherein the cells are contacted with a non-saturating amount of the agent before the magnitude of gene expression of the first population of genes and the magnitude of gene expression of the second population of genes are measured.
 18. The method of claim 1 wherein the cells are contacted with a saturating amount of the agent before the magnitude of gene expression of the first population of genes and the magnitude of gene expression of the second population of genes are measured.
 19. A method of determining whether an agent is more like a partial agonist of a PPARγ molecule than a full agonist of the PPARγ molecule, the method comprising the steps of: (a) comparing the magnitude of gene expression, in cells of a cell type, of a first population of 29 genes, that each hybridize under stringent conditions to a different member of the group of nucleic acid molecules consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1-29, in response to an agent, to the magnitude of gene expression, in cells of the cell type, of the first population of genes in response to a full agonist of a PPARγ molecule, to produce a first comparison result, wherein the first comparison result is represented by a first numerical value; (b) comparing the magnitude of gene expression, in cells of the cell type, of a second population of 11 genes, that each hybridize under stringent conditions to a different member of the group of nucleic acid molecules consisting of SEQ ID NOS:30-40, in response to the agent, to the magnitude of gene expression of the second population of genes, in cells of the cell type, in response to the full agonist of the PPARγ molecule, to produce a second comparison result, wherein the second comparison result is represented by a second numerical value; and (c) using the first numerical value and the second numerical value to determine whether the agent is more like a partial agonist of the PPARγ molecule than the full agonist of the PPARγ molecule, wherein any part of step (a) can occur before, during, or after any part of step (b), wherein steps (a), (b), and (c) are performed by a suitably programmed computer. 